NEWSLETTER -14 OCTOBER

HIGHLIGHTS

Thank you to Mr Espensen, Mr Metson and Mr Cook who took Year 12 and 13 historians to Berlin last weekend.  The trip not only explored key elements of the History curriculum but it also, not by design, led the group to witnessing a protest about the impact of German Government decision around energy supplies.

Year Councils met for the first time this year, part of the system for student voice that we have in school.  There were lively discussions around important aspects of school life in each meeting.  The Year Council reps will now feedback to the School Council chaired by the Senior Student Team in the Sixth Form.    It was lovely to hear the positive feedback from Heads of Year around the meetings, the system gives the students an insight into how views can be sort, and fed back on, in a formal way. 

PERSONAL SAFETY

We have been made aware of an incident that has caused some concern in the local community regarding a man following students.  This matter has been reported to the police and we ask that if you have any concerns you report them to the Police on the non-emergency 101 number unless it is an emergency in which case call 999.

YEAR 11 MOCK INTERVIEWS

Throughout this week our Year 11 students have been having mock interviews with local employers, as part of a careers guidance programme which gives all the students an experience of a formal interview, with feedback on what went well and what they could focus on to give them the edge.  I would like to thank all the members of the local community who have helped our students develop these important skills as well as giving them the experience of a formal interview.  It is another example of how, by working across the local community and beyond, we can provide excellent opportunities for our students. 

SIXTH FORM APPLICATIONS

This week saw our Sixth Form opportunities evening, led by the Student Leadership Team, giving a flavour of the opportunities available at Sixth Form in the classroom and beyond. More information can be found on the link here including the application form which needs to be completed by Friday 9 December.

ANTI RACISM

As a school, we fundamental believe that racism has no place in society and any racism will be challenged in school through sanctions and education. As it is clearly unacceptable, this week’s assemblies have focussed on the impact of racism on British society and the importance of being anti-racist. Last week’s Premier League and international fixtures saw the players taking the knee, it is very important that this issue is kept alive and we are all aware.

We would like to share this excellent reading list that has been put together by UNIFROG to mark Black History Month; it was created to help understanding around the event and fight racism.

This week staff have been and will be discussing with students’ ways to be anti-racist, we have listed five way below that anyone can be anti-racist.  As a white middle class male myself I have never experienced racism towards me, as such it is important that I am actively engaged in making it unacceptable in our school community.  So here are five simple steps compiled by UNIFROG that can help our school address issues when they sadly take place.

1. Listen 

If someone is explaining their experiences of racism to you, remember to listen actively. People sometimes have a knee-jerk reaction to hearing about occurrences of racism. They might find them hard to believe because they can’t relate, or find it painful to admit that racism still exists. They might even feel ashamed to recognise something as racist or to hear something being described as racist.  

Avoid telling someone something like ‘I’m sure that person didn't mean it that way’ as it can minimise their experience of racism and shut down the conversation. Being told an act of racism might not have been intentional doesn’t make it less painful. Instead, listen to these stories attentively without dismissing them, and try to reflect on them later. No one is expecting you to agree with everything others say – it's about taking stories on board, thinking about them to build your own viewpoint, and being open to changing your mind or understanding new things.

2. Educate yourself about racism 

Being anti-racist requires you to want to actively learn more about what racism looks like, how the legacies of historical events are felt today, or what consequences a new policy can have on people of colour.

Try to learn as much as you can yourself. 

You might have friends who are very informed about these topics and can help you, but always make sure that they are in the right frame of mind to talk about it. Discussing racism can be upsetting, immensely more so for people who experience it personally, so don't rely on anyone to be your personal race relations expert. 

3. Fight racism at the level that you are able to 

When reading about how widespread systemic racism is, you might feel like racism is too big of a problem for you to individually impact. Much like the struggle against climate change, individual actions add up to a collective impact. 

You can do things like read a book by a non-white author, sign a petition, donate to a cause, attend a protest, ask your teacher to talk about books and films by non-white creators, or refuse to take part in events if you feel that they aren’t inclusive. 

4. Challenge racism in your personal life 

Studies have shown that every time you leave a smaller incidence of racism unchallenged, your tolerance for racism increases. In other words, racism is encouraged when it is not challenged.  

You might have friends or family members who make racist remarks or believe stereotypes about people of different races, for example. It might feel easier to ignore these comments, but if you feel able to, challenging them or sparking discussions is a powerful way to combat racism.  

5. Be consistent 

Anti-racism is a marathon, not a sprint. Attending a one-off protest, or posting anti-racist resources on social media when the cultural spotlight is on racism is helpful: it is a great way for movements to gain momentum and spread awareness to large groups of people. However, fighting against racism requires consistency even in moments when people are talking about it less. Anti-racism is built on the recognition that there is always more to learn – for everyone.

MONDAY 10 OCTOBER: Parent Support Session 6pm

On Monday, we will be holding the first of our Parent Support sessions. The sessions will be 20-30 minute presentations delivered during the year to support you during your child’s time with us at Charters. This week’s session will be on the importance of school attendance and strategies to help. Please register your interest using this Form to receive a Zoom link. Please note, there are a limited number of spaces and these will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis.

Future sessions:

Monday 17^th October 6pm: Parents of students in Year 11: Supporting your Child with Revision. Sign up here.

PARENT SESSION ON SCHOOL ATTENDANCE

On Monday 10 October Mr Wright led a session for parents and carers on “The Importance of School Attendance and Strategies to Help”. You can find a PDF of the presentation here and also the recording can be viewed below. If you have any questions regarding the session, please do contact Mr Wright on i.wright@chartersschool.org.uk or the attendance email – attendance@chartersschool.org.uk.

HELLO YELLOW

On Monday we marked World Mental Health Day by celebrating the HelloYellow initiative, which is run in conjection with the charity YoungMindsUK. Sixth Form students who head up the school's Senior Student Leadership team created sunflower petals out of paper for every student in the school and encouraged them to leave positive messages of support to promote good mental health. These have been turned into large sunflowers which will be displayed around the school site to ensure we continue to talk about mental health.

Students were also encouraged to wear a flash of yellow on the day and could donate to the YoungMinds Just Giving page. The total money raised so far is £457.  If you would like to donate you can still by clicking here.  

NEWS

Click on the images below for your information..

ow to read about this week's news stories.

Let's Talk About Mental Health

International Equestrian Title for Demi

Matilde Helps England to Victory

NOTICES

WHOLE SCHOOL READING

As we approach our first half-term break, we would like to remind families that students should be reading for about 20 minutes each day in order to make significant progress. Reading is the master skill that enables a student to succeed in every aspect of their life, both academically and personally, which is exactly what we want for every Charters student. With this in mind we would like to encourage everyone to utilise our wonderful Library and enjoy one of its many treasures over the holidays. 

ASCOT RACECOURSE FIREWORKS

Use Code CHARSCHOOL to get cheaper tickets to this year's RoundTable fireworks display which will be held

at Ascot Racecourse on Saturday 29 October.

Using the code also means that Charters School will receive 15% of the ticket sale!

https://bit.ly/3Tb2vhP

COMMUNITY

GEMS WORKSHOPS

Please click here for a flyer regarding all GEMS workshops for November and December 2022.

GEMS is a service for parents and carers whose children are suspected to, on the pathway or have been diagnosed with Autism and or ADHD.

Our Service provides;

Informative workshops.

Social groups for children aged 5 and over.

Animated learning sessions.

Home Visit Service depending in criteria.

A helpful and friendly telephone support team available Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm or email us on gems.4health@nhs.net

For further information regarding GEMs please look at our website https://www.gems4health.com/

RAISING AWARENESS OF EXPLOITATION

Thames Valley Police is raising awareness of exploitation and County Lines.
County Lines is a term used to describe organised criminal networks involved in exporting illegal drugs into one or more areas within the UK, using dedicated mobile phone ‘lines’.  A process of grooming is used to entice a child into acts of criminality.  This may include promises of something the child needs or wants, such as money, expensive clothes and shoes, power and status or a sense of belonging.
Exploited young people do not always look or act vulnerable and we are asking that everyone looks closer for signs, some of which could be the following:
•    Truancy
•    Anxious, frightened, angry or displaying other behaviours that are out of character
•    In possession of more than one phone
•    Having unexplained money or belongings, or buying new things
•    Taking drugs or abusing alcohol
•    Unexplained injuries and refusing to talk about it
•    Hanging around with older people
•    Going missing from home, staying out late or travelling for unexplained reasons
•    Spending more time on phone and being secretive about who they are calling or texting
If you spot any of the these signs, speak to your child and let them know that help is available.  
If you are concerned about a child and think it’s an emergency please dial 999, otherwise please dial 101.  If you would rather remain anonymous, you can contact the independent charity crimestoppers online or call 0800 555 111.
More information can be found at childrenssociety.org.uk/lookcloser 
 

SEBASTIAN'S ACTION TRUST VILLAGE DISCO

Get your leg-warmers at the ready!  There is a village disco on Friday 21 October at The Cordes Hall Sunninghill from 7.30pm-11.30pm with proceeds after costs going to Sebastian' Action Trust.  The disco is for 18 years+ only.  Bring your own drinks and glasses, and enjoy the sounds and visuals of ex-student James who is DJ for the night.  Not only will he be playing some classic tunes but videos from the decades will be projected onto the wall.  Tickets are £5 and can be purchased here

USEFUL INFORMATION

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

We love sharing our student successes, out-of-the ordinary lessons, fantastic opportunities and much much more with our wider school community.  So why not follow us on our Social Media platforms where you can find out about all the unusual, and not-so-unusual, events that happen here at Charters.  Join us at:

PARENT CURRICULUM/SUPPORT INFORMATION

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